Reviews of Property: Luxurious and spacious church conversion, Caithness, Scottish Highlands
Description
Apartment, 185 m²,
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7, 3 Bathrooms
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7, 3 Bathrooms
Facilities
near the sea, village,
pets considered,
internet access,
satellite or cable,
TV
Rates
per property
(GBP)
£125/night
£495 - £950/week
£495 - £950/week
Sandra Thain
+44 (0)1955-611291
Speaks: English
15 Reviews of Property 98755 in Scottish Highlands & Islands, United Kingdom
Characterful gem in quiet location
Review Submitted: August 31, 2009
Date of Stay: August 2009
I've always hankered after owning a converted church, so it was a delight to holiday in one, and it's a high quality conversion. Luxuriously equipped, clean and generously prestocked with essentionals. Huge relaxing upstairs living room with 2 large separate sofa areas, and a nice view of the neighbouring cows in the evening. The free wifi let me keep my emails up to date and check the ferry sailings. Lybster is a quiet village with its own picturesque little harbour (20 mins walk or 2 mins drive) and within easy striking distance of John O'Groats and the ferries to the Orkneys.
We found a super beach about 20 mins north at Reiss Sands (by the Golf Clubhouse) and had a beautiful sunny day on 3 miles of deserted sand. Had previously just spent a few days on a crowded Cornish beach - what a contrast. I even had a swim in the North Sea - yes, it really was warm enough. (I didn't bother with the wetsuit I'd taken to the beach.) Fantastic family beach. If you like hilly moorlands in which to walk and picnic, they are 5 mins drive away.
We also used the very impressive Catemeran ferry from Gills Bay to take our own car over to Orkneys and had a lovely relaxing day driving around there, returning on the other ferry to Scrabster, which gave us a wonderful view of the Old Man of Hoy. Sipping wine on the deck of the very smart car ferry as we passed within 300yds of the 1000ft cliffs of Hoy - it was like being on a cruise. The day trip via ferries to the Orkneys is easy, informal and well worthwhile.
As an English tourist from the home counties, I've previously been deterred from visiting northern Scotland by the seemingly vast distance, and the "unimproved" nature of the road network beyond Glasgow (where we stopped overnight). Well, driving north from Fort William was a revelation. Quiet 'A' roads with huge vistas and beautiful scenery - the miles flew by, and we easily outpaced the SatNav's timetable because the roads feel so quiet (compared with the South-East!) It was really easy driving.
We were very impressed by all our host's generous touches - the welcoming bottle and chocolates, and all the helpful stuff in the fridge and also in the well equipped utility room. Thank you so much. We will definitely return.
We found a super beach about 20 mins north at Reiss Sands (by the Golf Clubhouse) and had a beautiful sunny day on 3 miles of deserted sand. Had previously just spent a few days on a crowded Cornish beach - what a contrast. I even had a swim in the North Sea - yes, it really was warm enough. (I didn't bother with the wetsuit I'd taken to the beach.) Fantastic family beach. If you like hilly moorlands in which to walk and picnic, they are 5 mins drive away.
We also used the very impressive Catemeran ferry from Gills Bay to take our own car over to Orkneys and had a lovely relaxing day driving around there, returning on the other ferry to Scrabster, which gave us a wonderful view of the Old Man of Hoy. Sipping wine on the deck of the very smart car ferry as we passed within 300yds of the 1000ft cliffs of Hoy - it was like being on a cruise. The day trip via ferries to the Orkneys is easy, informal and well worthwhile.
As an English tourist from the home counties, I've previously been deterred from visiting northern Scotland by the seemingly vast distance, and the "unimproved" nature of the road network beyond Glasgow (where we stopped overnight). Well, driving north from Fort William was a revelation. Quiet 'A' roads with huge vistas and beautiful scenery - the miles flew by, and we easily outpaced the SatNav's timetable because the roads feel so quiet (compared with the South-East!) It was really easy driving.
We were very impressed by all our host's generous touches - the welcoming bottle and chocolates, and all the helpful stuff in the fridge and also in the well equipped utility room. Thank you so much. We will definitely return.
relaxing, romantic caithness
Review Submitted: October 11, 2009
Date of Stay: September 2009
We had a lovely time at the apartment. It has genuine character and a lovely sense of space and tranquility.
Faciliites are excellent and every detail has been considered, down to welcoming fruit/sweets etc and even malt whiskey!
It is worth mentioning how comfortable we found the bed, quite often this is far too hard and on this occasion it was just right!
The area is very beautiful and scenic and the roads are very quiet too, there are local shops nearby and the sea and harbour are just a short drive away. We found the weather forecast tends to overstate the chances of rain and we were lucky enough to have mild weather despite forecasts to the contrary!
We enjoyed visiting Dunrobin castle, about an hour away and would recommend you see the birds of prey there if you can. The Castle of Mey is well worth a visit too of course.
There are plenty of options for food within a 20 minute drive and the kitchen is well equipped so cooking is an option too! The local hotel restaurant (a stones throw away!) is very good and of course convenient.
It is worth checking that local attractions are still open if you plan to visit later in the season.
The owner offered a very warm welcome and everything was extremely clean and tidy and all amenities to a high standard. There are even a selection of Books/DVD's and games provided which is a nice touch!
All in all we had a very nice time and would happily visit again inthe future.
Faciliites are excellent and every detail has been considered, down to welcoming fruit/sweets etc and even malt whiskey!
It is worth mentioning how comfortable we found the bed, quite often this is far too hard and on this occasion it was just right!
The area is very beautiful and scenic and the roads are very quiet too, there are local shops nearby and the sea and harbour are just a short drive away. We found the weather forecast tends to overstate the chances of rain and we were lucky enough to have mild weather despite forecasts to the contrary!
We enjoyed visiting Dunrobin castle, about an hour away and would recommend you see the birds of prey there if you can. The Castle of Mey is well worth a visit too of course.
There are plenty of options for food within a 20 minute drive and the kitchen is well equipped so cooking is an option too! The local hotel restaurant (a stones throw away!) is very good and of course convenient.
It is worth checking that local attractions are still open if you plan to visit later in the season.
The owner offered a very warm welcome and everything was extremely clean and tidy and all amenities to a high standard. There are even a selection of Books/DVD's and games provided which is a nice touch!
All in all we had a very nice time and would happily visit again inthe future.
Traumhaftes Feriendomizil in den Highlands...
Review Submitted: September 16, 2009
Date of Stay: September 2009
...von Schottland!
Diese Ferienwohnung ist der absoulte Traum! Herrlich gemütlich eingerichtet mit allem was man zum relaxen braucht.
Vollausgestatte Küche, Wohnzimmer mit TV vielen DVD`S, Playstaion, Wlan, Brettspiele, etlichen Büchern und herrlichen Panorama Blick aufs Grüne.
Alle 3 Schlafräume haben ein eigenes Bad, wo man Badetücher, Cremes etc vorfindet. Betten sind bezogen und Ur-gemütlich.
5min mit dem Auto ist man am Meer.
Das Dorf ist ruhig - Ländlich. 2 kleine Shops welche man zu Fuß erreichen kann.
Sehr freundliche und Hilfsbereite Vermieter.
Wirklich nur zu empfehlen!
*****
Diese Ferienwohnung ist der absoulte Traum! Herrlich gemütlich eingerichtet mit allem was man zum relaxen braucht.
Vollausgestatte Küche, Wohnzimmer mit TV vielen DVD`S, Playstaion, Wlan, Brettspiele, etlichen Büchern und herrlichen Panorama Blick aufs Grüne.
Alle 3 Schlafräume haben ein eigenes Bad, wo man Badetücher, Cremes etc vorfindet. Betten sind bezogen und Ur-gemütlich.
5min mit dem Auto ist man am Meer.
Das Dorf ist ruhig - Ländlich. 2 kleine Shops welche man zu Fuß erreichen kann.
Sehr freundliche und Hilfsbereite Vermieter.
Wirklich nur zu empfehlen!
*****
Beautiful holiday location in North Scotland
Review Submitted: August 31, 2009
Date of Stay: June 2009
Lybster Church Apartment is a beautiful place for recreation. It is very well equipped, with detailed, elegant furniture and a lot of small things that make you forget that it’s not your own home. The apartment is technically very well equipped, well working Internet access, modern kitchen equipment, second TV in the bedrooms, private bathrooms beside the bedrooms and many more things.
The owner provides assistance in every direction, there are a lot of small things that make you fell very well during your stay at Lybster Church Apartment, like a filled refrigerator for your first breakfast, fresh flowers, whiskey …
Outstanding service.
The apartment is in a very good shape, clean, well maintained.
The landscape is beautiful, amazing, with a spectacular coastline. It’s for people who look close to detect the beauty in many hidden details.
It is the right place to enjoy a wonderful apartment, to rest, to walk, to watch seabirds, seals, whales, to make boat tours, to recreate and to restore your energy.
The owner provides assistance in every direction, there are a lot of small things that make you fell very well during your stay at Lybster Church Apartment, like a filled refrigerator for your first breakfast, fresh flowers, whiskey …
Outstanding service.
The apartment is in a very good shape, clean, well maintained.
The landscape is beautiful, amazing, with a spectacular coastline. It’s for people who look close to detect the beauty in many hidden details.
It is the right place to enjoy a wonderful apartment, to rest, to walk, to watch seabirds, seals, whales, to make boat tours, to recreate and to restore your energy.
First class!
Review Submitted: August 31, 2009
Date of Stay: April 2009
This is an excellent holiday property. We got a personal welcome from the owner, which is unusual these days - Sandra showed us around, explained everything, answered our questions and made sure we had contact details should we need her during the week of our stay. We didn't - everything was perfect. There were little extras that we felt were picked especially for us. The PS2 was a Godsend for our son and the many books and DVD's kept our 2 children occupied on those days and evenings when we stayed in. The internet access was fast, available anywhere in the apartment and was provided free of charge. You don't get many holiday homes that are this standard yet cater for (and positively welcome) children - so this was a breath of fresh air.
The church apartment is spacious, spotless and the furniture and furnishings (lovely carpets!) were of a very good quality.
The surrounding area is just as described and there is much to see and explore. The trip to orkney was a treat and we ate at the restaurants recommended to us.
I would recommend this holiday property for those families that prefer self-catering, but look for higher standard accommodation. It would suit a group of friends just as well, but we appreciated the extras for the children; the TV's in the bedrooms, etc.
The church apartment is spacious, spotless and the furniture and furnishings (lovely carpets!) were of a very good quality.
The surrounding area is just as described and there is much to see and explore. The trip to orkney was a treat and we ate at the restaurants recommended to us.
I would recommend this holiday property for those families that prefer self-catering, but look for higher standard accommodation. It would suit a group of friends just as well, but we appreciated the extras for the children; the TV's in the bedrooms, etc.
To be recommonded
Review Submitted: August 2, 2009
Date of Stay: July 2009
Great reception and wonderful apartment. In Lybster there is a small supermarket and a good butcher. In the neighbourhood are some interesting prehistoric sites. Coastline very spectacular. In case it is rainy: check a weather website with radar images; there is almost allways a dry spot nearby.
Perfect honeymoon destination
Review Submitted: June 20, 2009
Date of Stay: March 2009
We came here for a week to celebrate our honeymoon, and it was absolutely fantastic. The apartment has been beautifully decorated, was spotlessly clean and had everything we could have wanted and more. I don't think the 'wow factor' this place has can be put into words but the photos do not do it justice! There were posh toiletries, champagne for honeymooners and even provisions for the first night. The pub across the road was perfect after a long drive, the steak pie was delicious. Even though we came off season there was plenty to do: the whiskey distillery in Wick, the restaurant in Scrabster and the stunning coastline at Dunnet Head to name a few. Come up along the west coast for the best views and stop at the glass workshop in Tay for souveniers. We will definately be back.
The Old Free Kirk in Lybster
Review Submitted: May 22, 2009
Date of Stay: May 2009
The Church apartment over two floors was an excellent choice. Carole and I are experienced self caterers and this was one of the best in terms of quality of facilities, cleanliness and customer friendly touches. Beautifully carpeted troughtout with lots of touching extras. Old Pultney Whiskey, a huge vase of tulips, champagne chocolates, and fruit .Everything in fact to make our stay special. Most importantly the bed was supremely comfortable,so we slept like logs....There was plenty of heat so we were lovely and warm even on a foul day .
There was also plenty of information about the area and free access with WiFi for my laptop with a good signal,and lots of lovely scottish magazines to brouse.
We were looking up Carole's ancestry and the former kirk we were in was where her Great grand-parents were married! We also found the ruined house and croft nearby where her grandfather was born, overlooking the sea.
The Castle of Mey is beautiful and has a lovely cafe serving excellent home made soup and cakes.It also has a gift shop next door, all housed in a superb new building.
The sandy beaches all around are stunning but we would recommend Reiss Sands just above Wick and Melvich beach, west of Thurso. There are also fantastic existing and ruined harbours to visit with the Walligoe Steps and Sarclet Head as the jewels for exploring.
The Portland Arms is good for food if you should choose not to self cater, another exellent place we found to eat was The Bistro in Thurso, .
Sandra gave us a lovely warm welcome and made sure that we had all that we needed before she departed. We
would have no hesitation in recommending this hoilday rental to any of our friends.
There was also plenty of information about the area and free access with WiFi for my laptop with a good signal,and lots of lovely scottish magazines to brouse.
We were looking up Carole's ancestry and the former kirk we were in was where her Great grand-parents were married! We also found the ruined house and croft nearby where her grandfather was born, overlooking the sea.
The Castle of Mey is beautiful and has a lovely cafe serving excellent home made soup and cakes.It also has a gift shop next door, all housed in a superb new building.
The sandy beaches all around are stunning but we would recommend Reiss Sands just above Wick and Melvich beach, west of Thurso. There are also fantastic existing and ruined harbours to visit with the Walligoe Steps and Sarclet Head as the jewels for exploring.
The Portland Arms is good for food if you should choose not to self cater, another exellent place we found to eat was The Bistro in Thurso, .
Sandra gave us a lovely warm welcome and made sure that we had all that we needed before she departed. We
would have no hesitation in recommending this hoilday rental to any of our friends.
a unique holiday experience!
Review Submitted: May 21, 2009
Date of Stay: October 2008
my husband, 3 year old son and myself stayed in this beautiful appartment, and for us it was a unique experience.I have always holidayed in homes or appartments that are self-catering but never had the welcome or felt so at home than when i came here. this is a special conversion and i have already been recommending it. sandra is very approchable and friendly and makes you feel at home. thanks for a great stay.
it was excellent
Review Submitted: May 8, 2009
Date of Stay: April 2009
The greeting was very heartily and the accomodation was exactely how it was described it.The furniture was wonderful and arranged beautifully; everything was clean and intact. The customer service was very good and I would definitely advocate the accomodation to a friend.
It was okay there were only few attractions but the landscape. There was a nice restaurant in Lybster, the food there was very good.
It was okay there were only few attractions but the landscape. There was a nice restaurant in Lybster, the food there was very good.
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